Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout052008-CityCouncil_CCv0001.pdf Published and posted on Website 5/22/08 MINUTES of a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redlands held in the Council Chambers, Civic Center, 35 Cajon Street, on May 20, 2008, at 3:00 P.M. PRESENT Jon Harrison, Mayor Pat Gilbreath,Mayor Pro Tem Mick Gallagher, Councilmember Pete Aguilar, Councilmember Jerry Bean, Councilmember ABSENT None STAFF N. Enrique Martinez, City Manager; Daniel J. McHugh, City Attorney; Lorrie Poyzer, City Clerk; Michael Reynolds, City Treasurer; Jim Bueermann, Police Chief; Jim Drabinski, Fire Chief, Daniel Hobbs, Redevelopment Agency Director; Rosemary Hoerning, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Tina Kundig, Finance Director; Oscar W. Orci, Community Development Director; Deborah Scott-Leistra, Human Resources Director; Gary van Dorst, Quality of Life Director The meeting was opened with an invocation by Mayor Harrison followed by the pledge of allegiance. PRESENTATIONS Pet Adoptions - Animal. Control. Officer Bill Miller and Redlands Animal Shelter volunteer Lynda Ackerman introduced Samson, a very calm-natured one-year old male Doxie-mix, who is available for adoption at the Redlands Animal Shelter. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved the minutes of the regular meeting of May 6, 2008, as submitted. Bills and Salaries - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher,payment of salaries and bills was acknowledged. Agreement - Highline Water Transmission Main Relocation Project - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved an agreement to furnish professional engineering design services for the Highline Water Transmission Main Relocation Project, Phase II, with Stantec Consulting, Inc. in an amount of May 20,2008 Page 1 $91,225.00 and authorized the Mayor to execute, and the City Clerk to attest to, the document on behalf of the City. Crescent Avenue Storm Drain - Bids were opened and publicly declared on April 28, 2008, by the City Clerk for the Crescent Avenue Storm Drain Construction Project; a bid opening report is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. CEQA Exemption - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher, the City Council unanimously determined that the award of the contract for construction of the Crescent Avenue Storm Drain Project is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Section 15301(c). Funds - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved an appropriation of $86,000.00 in the Storm Drain Construction Fund to be funded by a transfer from the Liability Fund to fund the Crescent Avenue Storm Drain Project. Contract Award - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved the plans and specifications for the Crescent Avenue Storm Drain, waived minor bid irregularities, awarded the construction contract to O'Duffy Construction in the amount of $71,680.00 and authorized a construction contingency of$14,300.00 for a total amount of$86,000.00. Fee Waiver - Optimist Club - On motion of Councilmember Gilbreath, seconded by Councilmember Gallagher, the City Council unanimously approved the request by the Redlands Optimist service club to waive all park fees for their 2008 Auto Show at Sylvan Park. Planning Commission Actions - Mayor Pro Tem Gilbreath asked why the Planning Commission report was no longer on the Consent Calendar. City Manager Martinez responded noting the City Council agenda packet is being prepared and distributed on Wednesdays which has caused a timing problem with the Planning Commission meeting held the day before. Staff will make an effort to include this item on future agendas. COMMUNICATIONS Meeting Attendance - In compliance with Government Code Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3, Mayor Pro Tem Gilbreath reported on her attendance as the District 6 Representative at the SCAG General Assembly meeting held on May 7, 2008. Airport Advisory Board - Quality of Life Director van Dorst reported in September of 2003, the City of Redlands established the Vision for the Redlands Airport Task Force. The mission of the group was to establish an airport development and business plan that would enable the airport to become May 20,2008 Page 2 a self-sustaining operation and a vital asset to the City of Redlands. The Task Force identified several areas where improvements were needed to achieve the goals of the mission. Airport Advisory Board Chairman John Caton made a presentation which included a narrative of the progress and successes at the airport since the convening of the Task Force. He expressed his appreciation to Councilmember Gallagher for his participation as the City Council's liaison. Resolution No. 6712 - Support AB 844 - Junk Dealers - Councilmember Bean presented Resolution No. 671.2, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands in support of AB 844 (Berryhill), an act to amend Section 21609 and to add Sections 21608.5 and 21610 to the Business and Professions Code relating to junk dealers. Metal theft has been plaguing every region of California and wreaking economic havoc across all of society. The City of Redlands, in both public and private places, has been hard hit by this crime wave with recent thefts of metal plaques, piping and electrical wiring throughout the City. AB 844 will require junk dealers and recyclers to pay by check with a three-day hold, require government-issued identification, require photographs of recycled materials and will require a person, junk dealer or recycler to pay damages if the person is convicted of theft, or the junk dealer or recycler is convicted of the sale of property that has been placed on hold by a peace officer. Councilmember Bean moved to adopt Resolution No. 6712 supporting AB 844 and urging its passage in the version amended in the California Senate on April 30, 2008. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gilbreath and carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Change Order - 2008 Street Resurfacing Project - Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Hoerning reported staff is recommending using $300,000.00 from the 2007-2008 street resurfacing budget in the Measure I Fund for the 2008 Street Resurfacing Project and to authorize the City Manager to execute a change order. Upon a field review of the streets designated under the 2008 Street Resurfacing Program, it was discovered that there are sections of the roadway where the pavement and its underlying pavement substructure has failed. This requested allocation will allow for localized pavement section reconstruction work. Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director Hoerning made a brief presentation on the structure of pavement. Councilmember Gilbreath moved to authorize the City Manager to execute a change order to the 2008 Street Resurfacing Project as recommended by staff. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gallagher and carried unanimously. Resolution No. 6711 - Citrus Policy - Grapefruit Trees at Texas Grove - Quality of Life Director van Dorst presented the updated City of Redlands' Citrus Policy which provides a higher level of detail reflecting current information about City-owned groves and experience gained through many years of management and accounts for considerable changes in the global citrus market. Quality of Life Director van Dorst also reported the City began May 20,2008 Page 3 removal of approximately five acres of White Grapefruit at the Texas Grove in February 2008. This action was taken at the recommendation of the Citrus Preservation Commission based on poor market conditions for this variety of grapefruit. The Citrus Preservation Commission is now recommending removal of the last two rows of White Grapefruit trees contiguous to the backyard of fences of adjoining residences and replacing the grove with a late Naval variety. Leanora Sims urged the City Council not to remove one of the rows of citrus trees that act as sound barriers for the adjoining neighbors until the new trees have grown sufficiently. Bill Cunningham addressed the City Council providing the history of the purchase of this grove. Following discussion, Councilmember Gilbreath moved to adopt Resolution No. 6711, a resolution of the City Council of the City of Redlands adopting a City Citrus Policy, and directed staff to remove the remaining White Grapefruit trees from the Texas Grove. Motion seconded by Councilmember Aguilar and carried unanimously. Palm Trees Removal - Quality of Life Director van Dorst reported staff estimates there are more than 400 palm trees underneath power lines throughout the City. Palm trees underneath power lines must eventually be topped or removed for safety reasons. Palm trees that are topped often die and must then be removed. Staff recommended the sale of the trees to a qualified firm in lieu of transplanting trees or including a trade in which the firm removing the trees replants "line trees." Staff will identify a select group of palm trees for moving instead of outright sale. Efforts will be coordinated with the City Street Tree Committee. Beverly Powell, Southern California Edison District Manager, offered assistance in the determination of which trees are scheduled for topping to comply with State law. Following discussion, Councilmember Gilbreath moved to approve the distribution of a Request for Qualifications and Bid Proposal for the sale and removal of palm trees underneath power lines and that the City Council allocate potential revenue from the sale and removal of palm trees for moving a select number of palm trees and for the City's tree trimming and tree planting programs. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gallagher and carried with Councilmember Bean voting NO as he wanted to delay this matter for two weeks. CLOSED SESSION The City Council meeting recessed at 4:24 P.M. to a closed session to discuss the following: 1. Conference with legal counsel - Government Code §54957 (Human Resources Director Scott-Leistra) a. Public employee dismissal: Review of disability retirement applications The meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Jon Harrison, Mayor Pat Gilbreath, Mayor Pro Tem Mick Gallagher, Councilmember May 20,2008 Page 4 Pete Aguilar, Councilmember Jerry Bean, Councilmember ABSENT None STAFF N. Enrique Martinez, City Manager; Daniel J. McHugh, City Attorney; Lorrie Poyzer, City Clerk; Teresa Ballinger, Assistant City Clerk; Michael Reynolds, City Treasurer; Jim Bueermann, Police Chief; Jim Drabinski, Fire Chief; Daniel Hobbs, Redevelopment Agency Director; Rosemary Hoerning, Municipal Utilities and Engineering Director; Tina Kundig, Finance Director; Oscar W. Orci, Community Development Director; Deborah Scott-Leistra, Human Resources Director; Gary van Dorst, Quality of Life Director CLOSED SESSION REPORT There was no reportable action taken during the closed session. JOINT MEETING- CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Redlands Economic Development Plan - Redevelopment Agency Director Hobbs reported he had selected, with the concurrence of Community Development Director Orci, the firm Economic and Politics, Inc. whose principal is Dr. John Husing for the preparation of an Economic Development Plan for the City of Redlands. Dr. Husing will complete the study for the price of$49,750.00. He will include in the study ways to measure and evaluate the recommendations. Dr. Husing addressed the Council with his vision for the preparation of an Economic Development Plan which should be completed in 90 days. (Also see Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors' minutes dated May 20, 2008.) ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS Mayor Pro Tem Gilbreath and Mayor Harrison reported on their attendance at meetings during the past two weeks. LAND USE AND PUBLIC HEARINGS Sign Conditional Use Permit No 11 - Quiel Brothers, Applicant - Public notice was advertised for this time and place to consider approval of a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration for Sign Conditional Use Permit No. 11 for a two sided freeway oriented sign with an area of 377 square feet (on each side) and a height of 65 feet for an approved shopping center located on the northeast corner of Parkford Avenue and Marshall Street in the C-4 (Highway Commercial) District and to hold a public hearing to consider Sign Conditional Use Permit No. 11. Mayor Harrison declared the meeting open as a public hearing. Project Planner Manuel Baeza reviewed the proposed project and described other large signs already approved and installed in town. Mayor May 20,2008 Page 5 Harrison called for public comments. Representatives from Quiel Brothers Sign Company and Larry Quiel, President of Quiel Brothers Sign Company, explained the compromise they worked out over the past four years. Opposed to the sign were: Janice Coral, Donna Reeves who also submitted petitions signed by 176 residents who were opposed to the sign, Joel Carson, Merle Paxton, Bill Cunningham on behalf of The Redlands Association, Pat Mean and Scott Thomas. Bob Roberts asked Councilmembers to listen to the businesses in town and their signage needs. City Clerk Poyzer reported 15 e-mails had been received opposing this sign. There being no further verbal or written comments, the public hearing was declared closed. Councilmembers each expressed their concerns about this proposed sign. As the applicant was willing to continue the request, Councilmember Gilbreath moved to continue this matter to June 1.7, 2008, and agendize if necessary as it was conceivable a compromise could be reached that would not require City Council action. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gallagher and carried unanimously. Pre-Annexation Agreement No. 07-04 - Michael Barre, Applicant - Project Planner Tamara Alaniz reviewed the request for approval of Pre-Annexation Agreement No. 07-04 for property located on the north side of Sliger Road, west of Ward Way, on Farview Lane. CEQA Exemption - Councilmember Gilbreath moved to determine that Pre- Annexation Agreement No. 07-04 is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under a Class 19 Categorical Exemption. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gallagher and carried unanimously. Pre-Annexation Agreement No. 07-04 - Councilmember Gilbreath moved to approve Pre-Annexation Agreement No. 07-04. Motion seconded by Councilmember Gallagher and carried unanimously. WORKSHOP Goals and Objectives - Police Sergeant Chris Catren reported that on March 18, 2008, the City Council held a Goals and Objectives Workshop in the Council. Chambers. Professor James Spee of the University of Redlands facilitated the event. The workshop was conducted with the intent of developing actionable objectives to support the City Council's established goals. The workshop focused on goals and objectives for fiscal year 2008-2009. The process began with a review of progress on the City's 2007 goals and objectives. City Council and staff identified and discussed the achieved goals that had the most positive impact on the City of Redlands. City Council and staff then developed objectives related to the established goals for the upcoming year. The City Council then identified their top priorities among the proposed objectives through an anonymous voting mechanism. The end result was a prioritized list of objectives for each identified goal. The workshop concluded with remarks from the public regarding the goals and objectives. The goals and objectives discussed during the initial workshop are listed below: May 20,2008 Page 6 Goal A: A fiscally healthy and economically sustainable city. This goal is related to budgetary concerns. Objectives that the City Council determined were top priorities under Goal A for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year were to increase reserves, ensuring a structurally sound budget, designating 5 percent of the budget to non-recurring capital projects and creating a citywide economic development strategy. These were determined to be the top priorities as they all tied with three votes for each objective. Goal B: Superior municipal services. This goal is related to all of the services provided by the City. Objectives that the City Council determined were top priorities under Goal B for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year were to repair streets and pave citywide (8 votes), enhance service levels (3 votes), and to add a new branch library (2 votes). Goal C: A community with superior public physical assets. This goal is related to the general appearance of the City and its facilities. Objectives that the City Council determined were top priorities under Goal C for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year were to adopt a multi-year program for physical asset repair and maintenance (7 votes), creation of unique landscaped entryways and medians (6 votes), and investing in the maintenance and replacement of water and sewer lines and storm drains (2 Votes). Goal D: An economically and culturally vibrant downtown that reflects our heritage and spirit. This goal is related to the redevelopment of the downtown area, including but not limited to the Gateway Plaza, the redevelopment of the Redlands Mall and the Redlands Promenade. Objectives that the City Council determined were top priorities under Goal D for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year were the completion of the Downtown Specific Plan And Program EIR to help expedite the redevelopment of downtown (7 votes) and the issuance of the first North Redlands Redevelopment Project (NRRP) Tax Allocation Notes (TRANS)by November 2008 (4 Votes). Goal. E: A connected and inclusive community. This goal is related to wireless and information technology that the City can implement. Objectives that the City Council determined were top priorities under Goal E for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year were the implementation of Voice Over IP (VOIP) (3 Votes) and a totally Wi-Fi City of Redlands (1 Vote). Goal F: An environmentally responsible city. This goal is related to ensuring that Redlands is at the head of the movement to ensure environmentally safe practices citywide. Objectives that the City Council determined were top priorities under Goal F for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year were one "green" action by each department (7 votes), expansion of recycled water use, procurement of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to process mixed waste prior to disposal (4 votes) and the completion of the 1990 Carbon Footprint Determination. (3 Votes). May 20,2008 Page 7 Tonight's workshop focused on a review of the objectives derived from the March 18, 2008 workshop. City Council was provided with a table of the proposed objectives, the department(s) responsible for their completion, the expected time frame for completion and any comments regarding the objectives. The City Council discussed the objectives for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 noting we also needed to figure out how to integrate these goals and objectives with the normal work load. Councilmembers concurred they would like to focus on streets and park restrooms repair/maintenance. PUBLIC COMMENTS North Redlands Vision Committee - On behalf of the North Redlands Vision Committee, Mario Saucedo reported two informative public workshops have been held to review the North Redlands Revitalization Plan. He thanked staff for their participation. Members of the North Redlands Vision Committee feel more communication, such as these workshops, are needed to advise residents of what is going on in the community. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting adjourned at 9:04 P.M. The next regular meeting will be held on June 3, 2008. May 20,2008 Page 8